Front air leveler

[chuckd]

Last trip up to Grand Marais with the guy who is a mechanic friend of mine (it is great to have mechanics for friends - I feed him cookies and he works for bartar)  There was a problem where the front air bags would either inflate to the max, or drop to the stops.  He made it home by having his wife run the air bag inflation system from the dash.

Here is what we found as the issues.  The solenoid on the leveler was not working properly, the wires were corroded.  Replacing the wires fixed that issue.  I have on my shorty Prevost a manual leveling system.  It has 3 knobs, one for each rear air bag, and one for the front.  It also has a two position switch for essentially parked and going down the road.  When parked the auto levelers are disengaged.  But the front bag levelers are leaking so in the parked position the coach soon drops to the stops.  I am going to replace or get a rebuild kit on the front leveler, and replace the dash leveling knob, as it too has a leak.  Going down the road works fine.  Will be calling C&J today go see if they have the rebuild kits.  Hopefully the kits won't take my first born from me as far as costs, will let you know if this fixes the parked air bag issue.

Chuckd

[Jriddle]

I installed a manual system in my MC-9. I did away with the automatic and I am glade I did. The way we use our buses the loading is pretty much the same and the need for the auto system is not needed. When these buses were in service the diver didn't have to worry about where the weight was as the automatic leveling would take care of it for him. In a converted bus the only thing I could see the automatic system was good for is leaking air and having the problems you describe. This is my take on this but I would do away with automatic leveling.

John

[bottomacher]

John, I am about to do the same thing to my MC9, but I don't have a clue where to start yet. Do you have photos or suggestions for things to do or not to do in the process? Thanks
Don

[John Z]

Hi Chuck. I have this on my "project" list too. I did notice the air controls on your dash last July. Keep us posted on how this goes - and pictures always help!

[Jriddle]

I went the easy route. A former member here on the board sold me the stuff to do it. I don't know if he still is selling this system but know he had a good melt down here on this board and I am sure he won't be back. There may be some here that know how to contact him.

John

[robertglines1]

I keep mine simple..I just lie to the levelers by Mechanically making their anchor point move....use a hinge  about 8 inches long..anchor one end to coach and other to anchor end of the leveler...then move the hinge position via a cable(Morris) attached to movable hinge(leveler anchor point)..cable run to a location of your choice--attached to hand lever controll..just adjust to your desire..then return to travel position when you take off...no tapping air lines or electrical controls..all mechanical..have done on two coaches...Bob

[cody]

Mine hasn't posed a problem yet lol